By Dan Walsh
St Patrick’s Day has historically been a significant occasion for celebrating Irish heritage, though cultural practices are evolving. Government officials and ministers are currently travelling abroad, and publicly consuming Guinness is now viewed with disapproval.
St. Patrick’s Day symbols are made in China, many people confuse shamrock with clover, and newcomers are encouraged to wear their traditional attire.
St Patrick’s Day parades in our towns and villages are still enjoyable, though less lively now because of restrictions from insurance companies.
Animals are prohibited from parades, floats can’t feature live bands, dancers, or human images, and young children must have approved minders—all due to health and safety regulations.
We know how to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Find your local parade on the 2026 list below.
BUNCLODY; Bunclody St. Patrick’s Day parade starts at Tírlán, Carrigduff at 10.30am and will traverse the Main Street. Marching groups, floats and commercial entries will participate. Local business is encouraged to decorate their windows and participate in the St. Patrick’s Day Window Competition! An ecumenical blessing of shamrock will be one of the highlights.
CARRIG-ON-BANNOW; Grand Marshal Maudie Walsh will be leading the Carrig-on-Bannow St. Patrick’s Day parade in its 16th year, and it begins at 2pm. Their very own gig-rig will be on show for the support of local talent.
CLONROCHE; Always a great celebration, the Clonroche St. Patrick’s Day Parade takes place on Tuesday, March 17th, with floats gathering at the Mill for a 1.30 p.m. departure. The parade moves through the village and past the viewing stand, featuring local, community, and, often, vintage vehicle entries.
COOLGREANY; This is the 16th St. Patrick’s Day parade with a new 12-person committee spearheaded by local Cllrs Nicky Boland and Craig Doyle. Led by the Arklow Pipe Band, the parade starts at 12 noon. Local businesses, sports groups and schools are encouraged to take part, and participants are asked to dress up as their favourite Disney characters and turn Coolgreany into a storybook for the day. Con O’Driscoll is the Grand Marshal for the Coolgreany St. Patrick’s Day Parade. A highly respected local figure, Con has given so much to the community over the years it is a fitting honour, and the community is delighted he accepted.
CURRAGRAIGUE; Folklorist Michael Fortune initiated “the smallest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the world” nine years ago and the 2026 event commences at 11.05am in The Commons, Ballindaggin. It is a novel fun-filled event where large vehicles and tractors are banned, however, small animals, bikes and buggies and families are the backbone of its success story.
DUNCANNON; The annual Duncannon St. Patrick’s Day parade sets out from the Star of the Sea Church overlooking the village at 11am. It will make its way through the village and end up on Duncannon’s renowned beautiful beach.
ENNISCORTHY; Slaney Search & Rescue are the Grand Marshals for the Enniscorthy St. Patrick’s Day Parade which sets out from the Shannon Chapel at 3pm. The theme this year is ‘Connecting Roots’. Usual route. Viewing stand at Abbey Square.
FETHARD-ON-SEA; Fethard-on-Sea parade took place on Sunday. Read special report on WexfordLocal.com
GOREY; The theme of this year’s Gorey St. Patrick’s Day parade is ‘Carnival’. The parade will follow the traditional route from McCurtain Street, along Main Street, with the viewing platform on Esmonde Street. It starts at 3pm. The Grand Marshal is boxer Kayleigh Byrne who recently won a bronze medal at the U19 European Amateur Boxing Championships.
KILTEALY; The Kiltealy St. Patrick’s Day Parade has prizes for the best floats. The parade starts from Kiltealy Community Centre at 1pm. The parade is organised for ‘Make A Wish Ireland’.
NEW ROSS; This year’s New Ross St. Patrick’s Day parade will be led by Micheal Bailey and members of New Ross Boat Club as part of their 150th anniversary celebrations. The theme is ‘All Aboard’ and it sets out from Irishtown at 2.30pm and concludes on the Quay.
WEXFORD; One of the oldest parades in the country the 2026 Wexford town St. Patrick’s Day parade gets under way at 10.30am from the junction of Parnell Stret and Trinity Street and travels along Wexford Quay to Redmond Square. Bands taking part include St. Patrick’s Fife and Drum Band, Arklow Pipe Band, Bloco Garman Samba Band and New Ross Pipe Band.
WexfordLocal.com 